You noticed data roaming is active on your phone and you don't know if you should leave it on. You may feel uneasy since most of us have heard stories about crazy roaming fees. In this article, I'll explain what roaming is and help you avoid fees associated with data roaming!
What Is Roaming?
Roaming is when you go outside of your wireless carrier's coverage area and continue to receive cellular data and data services. In other words, you roam away from your wireless carrier's covered zone, and your phone connects to towers that aren't owned or operated by your wireless carrier.
Domestic Vs. International Roaming
Domestic roaming refers to roaming anywhere in the United States. It's usually free to roam domestically, but you'll want to double-check with your carrier first.
International roaming refers to roaming outside the United States. Oftentimes, international roaming is expensive and can lead to a surprise bill at the end of the month.
You can trigger roaming fees in a number of ways, intentionally or unintentionally. Making or receiving phone calls, sending or receiving text messages, and downloading or uploading anything internationally from reading emails to downloading videos can activate these fees.
Data roaming usually triggers the most expensive fees. It's important to pay attention to how much data you're using. When apps that require an internet connection are running in the background, data can still be used, causing your fees to skyrocket.
Rates for roaming depend on where you are and what wireless carrier you have. It might be worth comparing cell phone plans with international data and no roaming charges to help you save money.
How To Turn Roaming On Or Off
On Your iPhone
To turn roaming on and off for iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular. Then, tap Cellular Data Options -> Roaming. Turn off the switches next to Voice Roaming and Data Roaming to disable roaming on your iPhone.
For Android
To turn roaming on and off for Android, go to Settings -> Wireless & Networks -> More. Next, tap Mobile Networks (on some Androids, you may need to choose Battery & Data Manager and then Data Delivery) -> Data Roaming. Roaming is on when there is a check mark next to Data Roaming and is off when there's no check mark.
Summing It Up
Roaming may seem confusing at first glance, but now you know what roaming is, how it works, and how to manage any fees that you may be charged. Thanks for reading, and make sure to comment and share with friends!
